#VeteranOfTheDay Harold G. Espey

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Harold G. Espey. Harold served during World War II from 1941-1945.

Harold served as a technician fourth grade with A Battery, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment during World War II. He was assigned to the Pacific Theater, specifically New Guinea and the Philippines.

Drafted in 1941, Harold was first sent to Field Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and later trained at Fort Bliss, Texas. He worked with horses until his unit was mechanized. In 1943, Harold set sail for Australia for further training at Camp Strathpine. He then transferred to Inspector General E.P. Stone’s office in Division Headquarters.

When the war ended, Harold was in Manila. He recalled meeting a nun there who kindly informed his wife that he was safe when she returned to the United States. Harold was discharged in 1945. Reflecting on his time, he wrote, “There were two ships sitting in the harbor. One was going to Japan and one was going to the States. Guess which one I took?”

For his service, Harold was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Medal with four stars, the American Defense Service Medal, and many others.

Harold passed away in 2006.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.